impose

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'impose' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to mean to force or establish something, especially in an official or authoritative manner. For example, "The government imposed a new tax on imported goods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The decision of the whips to impose a three line whip means that David Burrowes, aide to Cabinet Office minister Oliver Letwin and a leading member of the no camp, is expected to abstain in the "programme motion" vote.

The Guardian

As Lyons notes: "Fiscal policy should not impose unnecessary strains on monetary policy".

The Guardian - Business

With about 30 minutes to go before Hill was injected with a fatal dose of the sedative pentobarbital, two separate courts stepped in to impose a temporary delay in the proceedings.

The Guardian

Clegg accused the Tories of planning to impose "ideologically driven cuts" of £3bn on the schools budget in the next parliament, adding that the prime minister had tried to introduce further cuts over the past five years.

The Guardian

I don't expect the University of Derby's student union to impose a ban (other than for it being completely rubbish).

The Guardian - Music

"Underneath the thick layers of greenwash many of these schemes are unsustainable, unviable and unpopular, but Gordon Brown wants to impose them from Whitehall irrespective of local opinion".

The Guardian

Media ownership laws allow foreign ownership of non-news titles, but impose a 26% ceiling on news publications.

The Guardian

He has tried to impose order – and has created chaos.

The Guardian - Books

Despite their frequent failure to impose themselves, Rangers contrived and, inexplicably, squandered opportunities to extend their advantage by a convincing margin.

The Guardian - Sport

The Palestinians had presented a final set of demands, but Israel was "trying to impose what they want.

The Guardian

Maimuna Abdulmumini, 22, accused of burning her husband to death as a teenager, remains in prison today despite the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) Court of Justice ruling in June 2014 that the decision by a court in the north of the country to impose the death penalty was a violation of her fundamental rights.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "impose", be mindful of the potential negative connotations associated with forcing something upon others. Consider whether a more collaborative or consensual approach might be more appropriate in your context.

Common error

Avoid using "impose" when a more neutral verb like "suggest" or "recommend" would better reflect the intention. "Impose" can imply a lack of consideration for others' opinions.

Linguistic Context

The verb "impose" functions primarily to indicate the authoritative establishment or enforcement of a rule, law, tax, or burden. It is often used when an entity exerts its power or authority to implement something. Examples provided by Ludwig showcase its use in contexts like imposing tariffs or restrictions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "impose" is frequently used to describe the act of authoritatively establishing or enforcing something, such as a rule, tax, or restriction. As indicated by Ludwig, it often appears in news and formal business contexts. While grammatically correct, it's important to be aware of the potential negative connotations associated with forcing something upon others, and to consider whether a more collaborative approach might be appropriate. Alternatives like "enforce", "levy", or "dictate" can offer subtle differences in meaning, allowing for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enforce

Focuses more on ensuring compliance with existing rules or laws.

levy

Specifically refers to imposing a tax, fee, or fine.

dictate

Suggests a more absolute and controlling form of imposition.

mandate

Implies a formal command or authorization.

prescribe

Often used in the context of rules, treatments, or courses of action.

inflict

Carries a stronger negative connotation, suggesting harm or suffering.

apply

Focuses on putting something into operation or effect.

establish

Highlights the creation or foundation of something, like a rule or system.

force

Emphasizes the use of power or coercion to achieve compliance.

charge

Suggests assigning a responsibility or task.

FAQs

How to use "impose" in a sentence?

You can use "impose" to describe the act of enforcing a rule, tax, or burden on someone. For example, "The government decided to impose new regulations" or "I don't want to "impose on you" by asking for a favor".

What can I say instead of "impose"?

You can use alternatives like "enforce", "levy", "dictate", or "mandate" depending on the context. Each word carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Which is correct, "impose" or "inflict"?

"Impose" and "inflict" are similar but used in different contexts. "Impose" often refers to establishing something authoritatively, while "inflict" suggests causing something negative or harmful. You "impose" a tax but "inflict" pain.

What's the difference between "impose" and "suggest"?

"Impose" implies forcing or establishing something, while "suggest" means to offer a possibility or idea. "Impose" is authoritative, while "suggest" is advisory.